Loki, the Prince of Two Realms

by Death's Scribe

Time has passed and Loki has come to accept his Jotun heritage. His family is safe and all is well. But with a historical Jotun delegation called by the new Frozen Realms King, can Loki bring his two worlds together or will unforeseen forces rip his whole life apart?

9. Chapter 9

Hi Guys!

So, I am back! After I think what has been a 2 year hiatus!

First off, Thank you to everyone that has continued to read this story, and in fact this series and gain some joy out of it. This is why I like to write, so people can have a bit of an escape for a while and just enjoy a good story. I am sorry this has taken me so long to get around to. I must admit that I did give up on this fic for a while and then life gets in the way as it always does and I just didn't get around to looking at it. Fortunately, or unfortunately, I had the pleasure of watching the latest Captain America film, Brave New World and while I won't comment on the film itself, it did get me thinking about thus story again. So I went back, re-read and was struck with the inspiration to finish. So that is how this new chapter was born and I am still going strong, thank goodness. I always aim to finish every story I write and this is something that I will make happen for this story.

Now, after that's over, I hope that you can enjoy this latest chapter and there will be more to come!

Thanks as always to everyone who, favourited and followed this story and I hope will continue to do so.

Cheers!

D.S

Disclaimer: I do not own Thor or the Avengers or any other of the many Marvel properties

9

The skiff landed out of sight of Malekith's ship. Loki winced at the sound of touch down, the large bulk of the skiff crushing the debris beneath it as it sat itself down on the crusted earth below. As Thor and Helblindi jumped from the skiff, already catching the anchor lines which Thrym threw to them, Loki made his way over the side, ready to jump down himself, only to stop as he caught sight of Thor's Midgardian.

Jane loitered by the bow, staring out at the landscape, one hand clutching tight the shawl that had been given to her, covering her shoulders and swallowing the blue dress that was already covered in grime and dirt beneath. Loki tried not to focus too much on the dress, already aware that it had been one of his Mother's, lent to the Midgardian what felt like so long ago. His inspection brought his attention to Jane's face. It was cast in shadow, the red haze of Svartalheim's destroyed atmosphere making everything wash with the same colour. Her hair was tattered and starting to curl together in places. Though Loki was drawn to the tight pull around her eyes and mouth. A wince just visible under harsh bags and skin that seemed to be paling. Though none of that surprised Loki, the Aether was a high concentration of sedir energy. Even for a sedir wielder, being able to contain something like that would take its toll, most likely resulting in death for the host from prolonged exposure. Jane was a Midgardian, her body was not built to handle sedir such as the Aether, and even if she was, she was mortal, with no exposure to the life enhancing abilities of most of the creatures of the Nine and so was less durable. No, what startled and unsettled the Young Prince was the pronounced fear which linger in her eyes. With his Brother not there to command attention Loki could see it plain. Jane was scared.

As she should be, a vindictive voice whispered in his ear. It's her fault Mother is dying. If she hadn't found the Aether, if she hadn't meddled, none of this would be happening.

Every creature fears something, my love. His Mother's words countered, soft and gentle. Loki swore he could feel the caress of her hand through his hair, warm and comforting. It is not our right to judge any being based on their fear, but on the actions they take to correct wrong and bring justice and peace to those around them.

Loki shook his head, turning from Jane to vault over the side. But his Mother's words stayed with him. Was it right for him to judge Jane on actions that she took in ignorance and fear? She was here, with them on a planet that should be toxic to her, ready to face Malekith who would have no issue with killing her to get what he wants. Was that not brave?

Wanting to ignore these unwelcome thoughts, Loki watched as the skiff was secured, adding a layer of sedir to the anchor points to ensure that nothing would be able to dislodge them once they started their final assault on Malekith.

As Thor brought Jane down, the beings gathered together.

"We will approach the ship together for the majority of the journey from here. Once we are within range, Prince Thor, Thrym and Lady Jane will circle to the front. That should be enough to draw Malekith's attention from where Prince Loki and I will attempt to get into the ship from the rear," King Helblindi explained.

"Are you sure you should come with me?" Loki asked. "I could sneak in easier on my own."

"I am not letting you step foot onto a Dark Elf ship alone Brother," Thor grumbled, blue eyes blazing as he stared at Loki, who had to fight to stop his lips from curling into a pout, knowing that any argument that he could give would be denied.

"Your skills will still be crucial Prince Loki," Helblindi said. "Though I am adept at my people's affinity for ice seidr, that is mainly for combat. Stealth will be our best asset to ensure we are not detected as we breach the ship."

Loki nodded and Thor and Thrym discussed their own plan once they confronted Malekith. From what Loki could understand they were aiming for a double bluff. It would make sense that Thrym, being Jotun, would have the means and motive to betray Thor, if it meant revenge on Asgard's people for the war with Jotunheim and the theft of the Casket of Ancient Winters. This would allow the Aether to be extracted from Jane by Malekith, only for Thor to be able to kill Malekith before the Aether can fully integrated into the Dark Elf's system. It was a plan that required timing and some luck, but it was the best they had. Additionally, it would be ideal for Malekith to remove the Aether from Jane for them as he was the only being that seemed to have the capability. Loki couldn't lie and say that he wasn't interested in what Malekith's technique was for controlling the Aether. The impressions he had gotten from the ancient construct was that it was wild, sentient and powerful. He had a hard time believing that Malekith would be able to subdue the Aether into submission.

"We would be best making our move once we are sure Malekith has exited his ship," King Helblindi said, earning a nod from Thor. "We are still unsure as to what numbers Malekith has at his disposal; it would be best to assume that he will not send out his full force to meet you."

"Aye," Thor grumbled, eyes flashing to Loki in worry. "There is likely a contingent will remain upon the ship. Many will be drawn to us once Malekith is slain, so it is best that you remain undetectable until that time."

"I can handle that Brother," Loki said, a smirk twitching the corners of his lips. "Sneaking is one of my better skills, as you well know."

Thor scowled and Loki smiled at the familiar teasing, though it did nothing to ease the tension.

"We had best hope that Malekith brings his strongest force with him on his first approach," Thrym mused. "While the Young Prince may be able to keep them out of sight, we do not know how perceptive the beast that Malekith created is."

Loki swallowed nervously. He remembered the creature that was not a Dark Elf but something deformed and what it had been capable of. Mostly, what it had done to his Mother. Loki was not fool enough that he thought he could take on the creature himself. He may be confident with his sedir but even sedir could be defeated with enough will and martial ability and if that creature could hold his Mother, could harm her, the greatest sedir wielder to grace the lands of Asgard, then he, not even into his early apprenticeship would stand a chance.

Thrym laughed, breaking the sombre mood, he reached to clasp the Jotun King on the shoulder, red eyes gleaming at the two Asgardian Princes. "Do don't worry so. I have faith that we will draw Malekith's interest enough and he would not wish to leave behind that creature when facing someone such as myself."

Loki tried to find comfort in Thrym's confidence, but his heart pounded with uncertainty. Their whole situation was uncertain. Malekith had all the power, and they were working against the clock. There was no guarantee that what they planned would even go ahead and Loki didn't know how he felt about that element of risk. Even with his pranks and all the mischief he could create, he was usually able to plan so that the risk to himself was as minimal as possible. In this scenario there was no accounting for it.

They set off as a group across the haggard landscape. Thor, followed by Jane, allowing the Asgardian Crown Prince's larger form to take the brunt of any winds that would occasionally whip through. Loki was situated after the Midgardian, with King Helblindi and Thrym bringing up the rear.

The walk was difficult, even with the skiff having brought them as close as they dared. The large formations blocked the dark elf ship from view as they drew closer, adding to the anticipation of when it would appear again in their vision.

As they rounded a form that had to be the same size as one of the tallest structures in Asgard, a light tap came to Loki's shoulder. He turned, nodding as King Helblindi nudged him away from the group so they could cut around away from them, circling around the large formation. Loki did as directed, though not without taking one more glance back. Thrym had caught up with Thor and Jane and the three of them tracked the distance towards where the ground began to climb. It would take them up so they could see over, and Loki could just make out the top peaks of the Dark Elf ship where it waited beyond. He wasn't given much longer to ponder as Helblindi led him further away, taking him out of sight of Thor.

They snaked around the side, moving away but remaining out of view from the ship. Helblindi stopped when the formation was low enough that the Jotun King had to bend his back to remain out of sight. Signalling for Loki to step closer, they edged towards the formation so that they could peer over the top. The Dark Elf ship looked as if it had been thrust into the planets crust, a long black creation that tapered at one end like a sword before flaring out at the top where a soft red light pulsed, barely doing anything to light up the ruined world that was its home. Loki swallowed nervously, clutching the formation so the hard debris sunk into his skin.

"We must approach with caution," King Helblindi muttered. "They will no doubt have sensors set up, both with sedir and mechanical."

"I should be able to deflect most sedir sensors," Loki said. "As long as I can focus and direct the spell, we shouldn't have any problems there."

"That just leaves the physical sensors," King Helblindi mused.

"My invisibility should take care of anything visual."

"What about body heat?"

Loki shrugged, "I doubt it would make much of a difference if they could. The atmosphere out here would make any sensors unreliable."

Still frowning, though the Jotun King didn't question Loki further. Satisfied Loki reached for his sedir. It was still distressed with it's brush with Svartalfheim and Asgards sedir but it seemed to be responding well. Imagining his most accomplished spell, Loki let invisibility settle over himself before pushing the sedir towards King Helblindi. Loki felt it touch the Jotun, working over his body, turning him invisible to all eyes. He ignored the way his sedir flared at the feel of frozen sedir, reaching out as though to call to his own. He retreated before he could exam it further.

"I can still see you," King Helblindi said.

"We are linked by my seidr, all who are under the spell can see each other."

Helblindi nodded and with sure steps he crested the formation and stepped into the open land that led the way to the Dark Elf ship.

It was unnerving to approach in such a blatant fashion. Even reassured by the knowledge of the invisibility spell, Loki would have preferred to stick to the shadows, though King Helblindi confidently led them across the distance, not once hesitating. Loki wasn't sure if that was a show of faith in his working, or an arrogance that the Jotun felt there was nothing of threat to him.

The Dark Elf ship grew in size before them. Loki couldn't imagine having a need for such a large vessel. Asgardian's tended to make use of skiffs and did not use ships to venture from their planetoid home, the Bifrost making the use of them inefficient and a waste of resources. He wondered briefly what it must be like for other species of the Nine and those beyond. The only way to travel away from their home was to board a beast that would take them into the far reaches of space. Loki thought that he preferred the wild unknown of Yggdrasil's branches to that.

As they crossed the expanse between the rocky outcropping and the ship, a harsh hot wind tugged at Loki's locks. He shivered, feeling a bead of sweat run from his hair line. His curious eyes locked on King Helblindi, who was pacing ahead, eyes swivelling as he looked for threats. Loki wondered how the Jotun was coping with the heat. With his homeland coated in frost and snow and so his body naturally adapted to such an environment, the heat must have been unbearable. It got Loki thinking of his own issues, with the intensely hot summers Asgard often experienced, he had been forced to retreat inside on numerous occasions. Ice and cold baths being the only cure for the raging fever that would take hold of him if he became too over heated. Which was a contrast to the cooler seasons where Loki was more than happy to parade around Asgard in nothing but his short clothes. It made it apparent that Loki lacked a lot of knowledge of his birth species. The thought still made him uneasy, even with the acceptance of his family and the books his mother had provided.

They reached the foot of the ship, the wind blocked by the wide side. The pointed end which had hovered menacing over Asgard was thrust into the dried earth beneath it, knocking the overall height of the structure down by a few hundred feet. Not that it did much to make it any less imposing, with the fearsome pulsing slash of red that seemed to glow brighter than the forever stained sky that surrounded them. Loki and Helblindi circled around, pausing when they heard the guttural moaning of beings heading towards them.

King Helblindi held out his hand, stopping Loki, easing him back a step so that he was concealed by one of the protruding parts of the ship, which blocked their view of what waited beyond. Helblindi, shuffled, rotating his bulk so that he could see around their cover, though not risk being discovered himself. With careful manoeuvring Loki shifted so that he could look through the gap in the Jotun's arm and torso. Where the harsh angular lines of the dark elf ship flattened, he could make out the dark shadow of a drop ramp lowered to the earth, where it dug in deep. Loki's breath caught as he saw a gaggle of dark elves march down the ramp. He swallowed as they reached the foot, only to turn and march hurriedly in the opposite direction.

"Malekith has likely called reinforcements to surprise Prince Thor and Thrym," Helblindi muttered. "He would not have risked lowering the back entrance if he thought he was flanked."

"It is good for us though," Loki said, stepping out from behind the Jotun, sending a whisp of seidr out to taste his surroundings. "I can feel no others presence."

"That doesn't mean there isn't a Dark Elf cloaked from seidr," Helblindi muttered.

"I can keep the invisibility spell up for a time."

"There will be other needs for your seidr once we board Prince Loki."

The Young Prince nodded, allowing Helblindi to walk out first, Loki's seidr clinging to him, keeping the pair of them invisible.

Ascending the ramp had Loki's insides churning. The red oppressive light that illuminated the Dark Elf's ship head beckoned them in, though kept details obscured from view. Loki followed in Helblindi's wake. Sweat began to congeal in his collar and beneath his hair. He coughed as they stepped into the interior, the heat making it difficult to breath. A cool hand landed on his shoulder, the icy touch sending a fission of calm through his whole being, allowing him to catch his breath. Green eyes met the startling red of the King, who peered at him in concern.

"Are you well, Prince Loki?"

"A…aye, just a little hot."

King Helblindi's face remain as unmoving as ice, but he nodded, taking his hand away and stepping away. Loki almost whined at the loss, but clamped down on his tongue before he could utter a sound.

They moved a few paces away from the ramp, Helblindi taking care to pause at any blind bends. Even though the pair were invisible, it did not make them intangible and if any Dark Elf was to come across them, they would be in for a fight that would derail all of their plans.

Helblindi grunted, stepping into an alcove that was barely big enough for the pair of them. Leaning down he whispered in Loki's ear. "Can you cast two spells simultaneously?"

Loki frowned, glancing at the cuffs still attached to his wrists, empowered by his Mother's seidr. "Maybe before," he said. "My seidr is restricted now, I do not have access to all my ability. Casting two spells may be draining for me. I don't know how effective they would be."

Helblindi sighed. "I had hoped that it was possible for a tracking spell to be cast alongside the invisibility, it would make things safer."

"What would you wish to track?"

"We need to get to the central control of the ship," Helblindi explained. "While most of the Dark Elves will hopefully be engaged by Thor and Thrym there will be those left behind and with a ship such as this we cannot allow them to use it to attack, or Norns forbid escape to another realm."

Loki nodded, that was logical. The Dark Elves couldn't be allowed to escape, they would only bring more devastation to the Nine Realms.

"It is also the best place to see the inventory the Dark Elves have on the ship."

"Inventory?"

"Aye. All inventory is usually kept in a manifest of some sort. We might be able to find the source of the poison your Mother currently has running through her."

Loki stilled, in all the chaos he had forgotten about his goal, his whole reasoning for coming on this crazy expedition in the first place.

"Right," he said, closing his eyes and reaching for his seidr. "I will have to drop the invisibility spell."

"I will keep watch."

Loki nodded and released his spell. He felt King Helblindi shuffle in front of him before allowing himself to sink into his seidr. It was still distressed from the earlier encounter with Svartalfheim's and Asgard's tug of war over it, plus the chains of his Mother's restrictions still shone out. However, for the idea Loki had he should be able to bypass the restrictions and not over tax his seidr.

As he was unfamiliar with the ship and its inhabitants, he would not be able to track anything in the traditional sense. However, with his seidr he would be able to map the Dark Elf ship, giving him and internal perspective that would allow him to find the central control.

Coaxing his seidr, gathering it close he slowly allowed it to expand from his body. It sent a warm. Shivering across his skin. A gentle caress, like his Mother's hand against his cheek. As his seidr left the confines of his body and made contact with the ship, behind Loki's closed his eyes as his seidr built a picture for him. Tinted a glowing green the ships infrastructure became a playground for Loki to explore. Corridors were sketched out, along with doors, and rooms filled with miscellaneous furniture. Loki's inner eye wandered over the blueprint coming to life before him, small enough that he can see each individual component. It was like watching a child build a castle, only in much greater detail. He noted a set of shafts that seemed to have an object moving up and down within them, along with a small set of spiralling stairs cloistered away in a corner, probably for emergency use only. His seidr continue to build the small model. Loki shifted his perspective, his gaze noting something far below, probably where the ship had thrust it's self into Svartalfheim's crust. It was a set of rooms, small and compact, with only a single staircase leading down. Fascinated, Loki pushed his vision closer, inserting his vision into the model so he could project himself down the short corridor his seidr mapped.

Close up, the rooms appeared even smaller, he could make out no details, his seidr touching nothing to add the impression that there was anything housed within the spaces. As he was about to retreat his seidr flickered and he felt the stirrings of life within a room on the right.

Loki shifted over, pushing his vision forward only to be confront by a maligned mass of seidr. The competing energies within the Dark Elf were clashing, creating a spectrum of colour that would have been beautiful to anyone without seidr, instead it made Loki sick. His physical body lurched, and he held a hand to his throat as he held off on being sick.

"Young Prince?" Kind Helblindi's concerned enquiry earned a headshake from Loki.

"I'm fine," he muttered, taking a steadying breath. "Though I fear Malekith has been experimenting." The horrendous mass of seidr that the creature possessed was an amalgamation of the natural seidr of what had to have been once a Dark Elf. Loki wasn't sure what had happened to the creature, only that it looked as though their seidr system had been overloaded with a foreign seidr that had tried to strengthen the Dark Elf's innate seidr, only to turn and try to devour it, there fore creating a half-transformed creature that continued to live in tormented pain, unable to even move or think without being in agony. Loki pondered why the poor being hadn't been killed by Malekith. It had been left to rot away in the bowels of the ship, alone. Though, who was to know the thoughts of a being such as Malekith, a creature who would happily slaughter their own people just to win a war.

Steadying his seidr, Loki returned to his map, keeping his gaze away from the lower regions of the ship. As he changed the angle his eyes found a room right in the eye of the structure several floors above where he and Kind Helblindi were. He took note of the seidr of several Dark Elves that remained in the space, one of the few locations that he detected any life.

"I think I have it. There are a few Dark Elves in an area that seems to be the most central and has good connections to the main ship interiors. I can't really tell from the details of the room if it is the control room however."

"It's still the best guess we have," King Helblindi said. "Location?"

"Several floors above," Loki answered, opening his eyes and slowly regathering his seidr. "There are two transports that would take us up there, but there's no guarantee that we wouldn't be caught in one. I noted some stairs but that might take us more time to ascend than we have."

"True, Thrym's and Prince's Thor's distraction will only last for so long and the more time we waste here the lesser the chance we have of aiding them and them being able to successfully hold off Malekith before he takes what he wants from the mortal."

Loki shook his head and King Helblindi shrugged his large shoulders. "We will have to take the risk of the transports. Is it possible to recast the invisibility spell?"

"Aye, though within a small space it may not be as effective."

"We will make do."

Loki pulled back his seidr before releasing it in his most useful spell. Invisibility settled over the pair once more and they moved back into the main corridor, Loki acting as a guide as Kind Helblindi took point before him.

The ship was mostly empty, or at least the parts they traversed. The Jotun King careful manoeuvred his larger bulk through the narrower corridors. It was obvious that the ship had not been built for someone of his size and Loki was amazed that he was even able to navigate himself through the tighter spaces without too much issue, though there was a close encounter with the door, which opened with a hiss as the King's shoulders scrapped over the activation consol.

Loki trotted behind, keeping the invisibility in place as he led them to the transports from the vague impression his seidr had left for him of the layout.

"Wait," he said, hand coming to rest on the Jotun's cool skin, unaware of the flare of azure that ran up his fingertips before it was swiftly erased. King Helblindi paused at the prompting, glancing behind. Loki signalled for him to step back slightly, easing his own way in front. He didn't wait for the Jotun King to protest before he set off ahead. His seidr encouraged him forward, becoming a beacon as they rounded a corner to appear in a wide-open entry way. Several smaller corridors branched off from the hub, though it was the towering turbo elevator that had Loki's full attention. Made of what Loki thought must be a steel composite of some kind, it shone in the low rocha glow that cast the whole of the dark elf's ship in a bloody red. It shot through the doming roof above them, separating one floor from the next as it climbed higher out of sight.

Thankful that no Dark Elves roamed the area, Loki shot over the lift. Running his hand over the side he was grateful when two smooth doors opened, revealing the bright interior of the turbo.

"It will be a tight squeeze," he said. King Helblindi shrugged, and Loki allowed the Jotun to step in first. Shimming himself into position in the remaining space Loki grimaced at the holographic pad that signified the call buttons. The AllSpeak did not extend to the written word and unlike others in the Nine, the Dark Elves did not make use of the universal number system, preferring their own varied interpretations.

He looked to King Helblindi who shrugged. Resigned to moving floor by floor until his seidr signalled him further Loki pressed the bottom button. The doors slid shut and they began to move.

"This destroys any element of surprise we might have," Loki said as he closed his eyes, studying the sedir map that remained for him to view. "I can't tell the floor at all."

"Do not fear, things will work out."

Loki wanted to scoff but was stopped as the doors opened. Unease prickled the back of his neck, but he thankfully let loose a sigh as all that waited for them was another corridor. Loki couldn't sense any nearby Dark Elves, but nor were they near their destination. Pressing the next button, they resumed the climb.

"Prince Loki?"

"Hmm?"

"I hope you will not mind my saying but you are indeed a greatly devoted son."

Loki frowned, turning so he could see the azure face of the Jotun King, whose own eyes were fixed on the doors before them.

"I am?"

"You are risking your life for your Mother's are you not? Who would not call that devoted?"

"I am sure my Mother and Father would call it foolish," Loki muttered. He did not want to picture his Father's face once he found both him and Thor gone. He already did not have the best track record of listening to his parents and even now he still defied them. But how could he stand by when his Mother needed him.

King Helblindi chuckled, and Loki allowed a small smile to slip free. "Though, I think even though it might be foolish. I might even be fooling myself, that there is anything here that can … that can help. I still have to try."

"Because she is your Mother?"

"Because I love her."

Helblindi stiffened and those red eyes found his. Loki found it difficult to describe the emotion that seemed to be hidden within them, fondness with a hint of mourning.

"I am glad."

The doors opened and Loki had to swallow back any reply as they opened out on to a large chamber. Loki could already feel the living sedir of several Dark Elves in the room before he could fully comprehend the space. His eyes were able to take in the large window that dominated one whole end of the space, along with a collection of consoles, some with chairs behind them, along with an upper balcony that ran along the top floor of the whole room that stretched up high above them, ending with a twinkling collection of flashing lights that powered the one functional Dark Elf ship that remained on the planet.

The sudden opening of the turbo elevator drew the attention of the Dark Elves occupying the space. They turned as one. Their blanked masked faces turning to bore holes into the two invaders that had intruded upon their inner sanctum.

Loki saw the flash of a blaster come to aim at them, only to be throw aside as King Helblindi barrelled past him, swinging a large arm which unleash a torrent of frost into the room, freezing the occupants momentarily.

"Take cover!" the Jotun King ordered as he rushed the closest Dark Elf, gripped the flailing being in his large fist. Loki saw the frost creep from the Jotun's fingers, freezing the armoured mask that hid the Dark Elf's face. They reached up, as though to push the Jotun away, only for their hands to fall short as the King of the Jotun's squeezed his fist, exploding the now frozen Dark Elf head in his grasp, showering the room with glimmering red diamonds.

Loud blaster shots rang through the air and Loki dived aside as the deadly glowing projectiles smashed into the wall above his head. Crawling away from the main fire fight, Loki watched as Helblindi summoned yet more ice. His large hands twisted, the ice coming to his call as though dragged from the air particles, freezing them like blooming petals in a sudden snowstorm. The blaster fire crashed into the ice, shattering it, though it was enough to offer Helblindi a smoke screen to make his way closer to the next Dark Elf to cross his path. Sliding across the ice forming beneath his feet, dragging one hand down to create an ice shard, the Jotun king thrust it through the next Dark Elf's torso, not pausing as he ripped through armour, bone and sinew. The King moved on, using a combination of ice and his own large bulk to decimate through the Dark Elf forces inside the console room until all that remained was ice and blood.

"Young Prince?"

"Here," Loki shuffled upright, coming out from where he squeezed himself into a corner. Stepping through the gore and viscera he approached the Jotun King. The flying blood of his enemies that had managed to land upon him was already frozen and flaking away, leaving no traces upon the azure skin. Loki had to stop his mouth from dropping open at the sight which remained. He had only ever heard the tales of savagery the Jotun's bestowed upon their enemies, how they ripped apart and desecrated the corpse in a wild frenzy that could rival a full Asgardian Berserker of old. However, from what Loki had clearly just witnessed, how while Helblindi's attacks were brutal, had been quick and efficient. He could even argue that they were better thought out then those of some Asgardian warriors. It made him wonder just why such tales escalated in the aftermath of the Asgardian, Jotun war.

"That seems to be all that are here," Helblindi muttered as he stared down at a fallen Dark Elf. He glanced up a Loki, who briefly flared his seidr so he could nod in agreement. "Then this is where we must part ways for a time."

"Why?"

"It would be best that one of us stay here," Helblindi explained. "While we have been able to take control for now, we do not know exactly how many Dark Elves may still be on the ship."

"My seidr -"

"There are ways that those not practiced in the arts can hide their presence from a seidr wielder," Helblindi shook his head. "It is best that we are cautious. Besides, here would be the best place to find a way to destroy this ship. The way it leeches from the failing core of this world is not something I can continue to tolerate. Plus, it is best not to leave Malekith with such a weapon."

Loki sighed; it was a reasonable argument. Prepared for the lecture of what to look for around the console room, Loki was surprised when Helblindi pointed him up towards the higher balcony. "Perhaps if you start your search up there. There may be an infirmary close to here due to the centralised location. If there is any place a cure for the Queen may be found, it is there."

Shocked into speechlessness by the contrary order, Loki didn't fight as a large hand nudged him away, a thin trail of frost clinging to his clothes as he stumbled. Helblindi smiled at him as Loki regained his bearings enough to offer a nod of thanks before mounting a set of stairs which led him to the balcony above.

Upon his feet reaching the peak, Loki took his bearings. It seemed to be more of an observation deck than have any kind of strategic meaning to the balcony. Loki wondered if once upon a time Malekith had stood here, looking through the large windows which showed the remains of his red and dying world. Taking a glance himself, he was glad for the thick covering of red which didn't allow him to see much below. He wondered how Thor and Thrym were doing. Had their end of the plan gone well? Was Jane free of the Aether? Was Malekith dead? Loki had faith in his Brother to do well in a fight, but, while he had improved much he was still not the most intelligent thinker. If Malekith had a trap of his own in place it just might be enough to topple the mighty Thor from his pedestal. Loki was thankful that Thrym had remained by the Asgardian Prince's side. Though not the most approachable, he was a veteran, once fighting at the side of his Father. Experience would serve the young Crown Prince well. Loki momentarily thought on the Midgardian, Jane. The Aether had been making steady progress of corrupting her, no doubt it would take her life if it was allowed to remain inside of her. While his own thoughts for the Midgardian were still uncharitable, he would not wish for such a sad end of her life to come while his Brother was so involved enough to be effected by her passing.

Sucking in a breath, Loki allowed his sedir to spread beyond him. It would not allow him to cast if invisibility spell, though it would give him more of a sense of what was a round him, and he would rather have foreknowledge of a being coming towards him, than run the risk of being tackled even while invisible. It was not as detailed as the working he had performed to map the ship before, but worked in real time, much to his own preference.

Stepping back and through a doorway set into the wall of the ship towards the right-hand side of the balcony, Loki began his search. The entry way led into a narrow corridor, it bent around in both directions, giving Loki a choice of which he would prefer to follow. Instinctively he turned left, stepping along until it rounded off, the route ahead straightening out, only to reveal the corridor dead ended, with a door blocking the only way on.

Unconcerned Loki hustled over, brushing fingers over the scanner by the door, he was unsurprised to find that it opened at his prompting. The Dark Elves, it seemed had not bothered to install much in the way of security. Most likely confident that none but themselves would ever make it on to the ship.

Sliding aside, Loki stepping inside an oval infirmary. It remained him of Eir's domain back in the halls of Asgard. Bed lined one side, though they appeared to be rounded and covered by a dome, stopping anyone from climbing on. The other had a messy collection of desks, which spread to the shelving with reached high to the ceiling. Miraculous healing tools covered their surfaces along with the floor. As though a storm had ripped through the room and displaced everything, leaving them in a tangled heap in its wake. The infirmary stretched further than Loki could see. Though the desks seemed to stop part way down, signalling a sharp turn, observing anything further form view.

Coming inside Loki eyed the shelves and desks. It was possible he may be able to find a clue there. Possibly the Dark Elves had a data bank that he could make use of. They surely didn't make use of parchment still, even the Midgardians seemed to have moved on to more technological improvements. Careful to step over any equipment that had been left prone, Loki approached one of the beds. It reminded him of the Soul Forges Asgard used, though he could not understand why the top was covered so. The base was bright white, though seemed that have become chipped and faded with age. Placing a hand on the side, Loki pulled back in surprise at the heat which emitted from the metal casing. Curious he leaned in, peering in the top. It appeared to be darkened glass, making it difficult to see anything. Frowning Loki leaned closer, a fingertip tapping on the glass softly in case that heat came once more. Light shone suddenly from beneath the glass, illuminating the interior, giving Loki a clear view of a child Dark Elf, no mask or armour covering their faces, leaving nothing to hide the hollow cheeks and paper-thin skin, paled even further by death, though lain trapped beneath the glass of the bed. Recoiling in horror, Loki stumbled away, tripping over the scattered equipment. His booted foot landed with a crunch on somethings surface. A squeal of static filled the air.

"Help! Help! By the Norns, is anybody listening to me?!"

Unable to stop his fall Loki collapsed onto his back, the wind momentarily knocked out of him.

"They need to stop. If this continues the ship won't have any energy left in which to sustain the pods! I don't care what Malekith wants, the power supply is already limited and we're lucky that the Asgardian's haven't found us yet. The central pods will be the only ones functional if he does this. The rest will be boiled alive."

Looking up, Loki searched for the source of the distorted voice. Glancing down he saw a holopad, broken, either from age or a previous accident, he didn't know but projected onto the floor was a short recording. Shuffling around he leaned over, he recognised the infirmary he was in, only this one had flashing red lights obscuring most of the room. He could hear screams. Were they Dark Elves? A shadow took up most of the projection. Loki couldn't make out may of their features but knew they were a Dark Elf by the pointed ears and narrow build.

Static cut off whatever the Ef was screaming about over their shoulder. Suddenly they turned, the recording shifting as though the holopad had been pick up, finally revealing pale blue eyes, though the fear and grief within them made Loki's stomach curl.

"Norns save us all."

The holo cut off and Loki remained staring at the floor. Pushing himself to his feet, he looked again at the beds? Pods? Taking an unsteady step forward, he passed the first pod, moving to the second, hesitantly, he tapped a finger to the glass, light blooming into being. Swallowing, he looked within. Another Dark Elf lay there. This one might have been female, though Loki only gained that impression by the remains of hair that had managed to stay intact on her head. The insular pod having preserved her long beyond what should have been natural after death. Stepping away, Loki ran along the infirmary, passing the collection of desks and shelving until he reached the corner, only to find more lines of pods, stretching further and further back, each one likely housing a Dark Elf.

Feeling sick, Loki turned away. Malekith's genocide of his own people was something his Father had spoken of. While Loki had understood what that meant intellectually, it was another to see evidence of the crime before him. Had Malekith truly sacrificed his own people for his own wellbeing?

Shaking his head, Loki returned to the holopad, gingerly picking up and turning it in his hands. Upon inspection it didn't appear as damaged as he had first perceived. It must have been well made to have withstood the test of time. The Dark Elf war had been before either his or Thor's lifetime, even his Father would have been only a young man. He did not recognise the design and had to wonder what the Dark Elves could have become within the Nine if the war had never been.

With careful twisting and pinching Loki was relieved when the holo sprung back to life. No longer showing the scenes of the Dark Elves final destruction, instead there was only the one Dark Elf, perched in a chair, as they leaned away from the holopad with a frown.

"Is this on?" their voice was soft and light, Loki would take a guess and believed that the Dark Elf was female, though he was unsure of his accuracy. Dark Elves did not tend to show their gender so obviously as others within the Nine. A mutter came from over the Dark Elf's shoulder. Shrugging, she smiled tiredly.

"No matter, as long as something is recorded than that is all that matters." Shifting within her chair Loki could just make out the top of a white tunic, sleeves rolled to her elbows with several stains decorating the chest. "This is Healer Teriya Herdoc, resident head Healer here aboard cruiser Xanatos. We have just been able to give most of the refugees that have been remanded here a thorough check up and it seems that all appear to be in decent health. We are lucky that so far Asgardian forces have not been able to penetrate the very centre of Svartalfheim, making evacuation of the common folk and non-combatants easier. There have been several cruisers deployed for the purposes of protection and continuing the Dark Elves."

Loki listened as she went on to describe the Asgardian, Dark Elf war from a side in which few would ever be able to hear. It appeared that the Dark Elves were aware of the push their leaders had made into the other realms of the Nine. Loki was surprised to hear the derision that dripped from Teriya's tongue as she spoke of the ruling royals, even going so far as to almost utter words of treason. Though once you see you own people, brought low by war, it might make even the most patriotic being think twice about swearing such loyalty.

One clip gave way to another, and Loki watched fascinated and saddened as Teriya's outlook became even more bleak. There was even a short break when they showed the process of a Dark Elf being placed in a pod.

"The stasis pod will effectively allow a being to live relatively unharmed until the process is released, and rehabilitation is initiated," Teriya explained with pure glee. "The original concept was to be able to prolong life until cures or treatments could either be delivered or even developed. Though the vulnerability of the user is still something that would have to be addressed. If power to the pods was compromised in any way, it would mean overheating and the occupant would suffer severe dehydration and die from shock before the rehabilitation process could begin. They wouldn't feel a thing."

Loki gulped and he glanced at the pods. Shivering, he focused back on the holo which flickered to static before resuming, only for a wild-eyed Teriya's face to fill the whole screen.

"That absolute fool," her words were so strong they caused the small speakers to crack. "What does he think this will achieve? There is a reason Drow is restricted, to be used only by a Healer and when it is deemed necessary. The poison eats at a being's insides, attacking the centre of their being until nothing remains. It is cruel and should have been banned centuries ago and Malekith wants me to hand some to him so he can throw it at the Asgardians? Ha! I'd rather they win this wretched war than give that Elf anything he demands."

Loki's hands shifted on the holopad, leaning in so he could watch as Teriya sighed, running a hand down her face.

"It's not like I have a choice. I can't go against orders from on high and the chief Healer has authorised the use. But it's a fool's errand, we may be able to take out several Asgardian forces but the risk to our own people is just as great. Drow is fast acting and kills within minutes, even seconds if the dose is high enough. It is why Healers are usually the ones to administer it should the occasion be required that we delve into that side of the Dark Elf Healing nature. All cures can be poisons after all. We are able to at least stabilise ourselves until the antidote can be administered."

Loki avidly watched, leaning close as Teriya reached for something off screen. He was surprised when she slid two jars into view, the tops visible until she adjusted the holopad enough so that they were framed and herself could no longer be seen. One jar was completed covered in a black substance that seemed to move and twist on its own, covering the glass which would have otherwise been seen through. Loki felt his gut clench in revulsion even with the distance of screen and time. Teriya tapped it gently, the tip of her long finger the only part of her in view.

"Drow must be contained, or it is likely to spread. Harvested in the darkest reaches of our planet, the cave systems which our people are said to have emerged from in the time of the beginnings. Recent scholars have theorised that it is a fungus, which would add credence to the fact the poison spreads throughout the body fast, latching on to vital life points and draining them of their energy and seidr."

Loki want to cry, his fist clenched, and he bit his lip. This had to be the poison that was infecting his Mother. It was too much of a coincidence that Malekith had asked for it to be used upon Asgardian's all those years ago. He probably kept some behind in case he had a use for it. The idea that his Mother's being was being attack, the life drained out of her along with her seidr. It was no wonder that most succumbed quickly to the effects. No beings could live without their seidr. Only the ice Loki had created in a blind rage and anguish had somehow slowed its pace. Though did that mean Loki had left his Mother in nothing but pain.

A sigh came from the holopad, diverting Loki's whirling thoughts. Teriya's finger mover and she picked up the second jar reverently, her other hand tilting the holopad so her face came back into view.

"We are lucky that with time and understanding to have been able to fashion a cure. It is believed that in those ancient times that Drow killed many a Dark Elf, if one were to fall into a patch. It is said when our people were all but wandering tribes, at odds with each other until the unification, Drow was the weapon of choice to wipe out a rival. Great pain and sacrifices were made to find this concoction that served as Drows defeat."

She peered into the jar, Loki along with her. Where the Drow had been as dark as midnight the small slither of residue swilled in the bottom of the jar shone like a star. It was steady and warming considering its demure appearance. It shimmered in the stark lighting, barely seen when Teriya's shadow fell over it.

"Made with the leaves of a Fotai plant, mixed Wortoa petals, Ruie seeds and the root of a Gulr Dock. Stewed with fresh dew water and left in direct sunlight for a moon cycle. It is a cure of all cures. Ridding the body of toxins and impurities, feeding life and energy back into even those who linger on the threshold of death." Teriya spoke reverently, nail taping the glass so it clanked gently. "A breakthrough in Dark Elf medicine, one that would place us beside our cousins of Alfheim, renowned for their work in healing. Even they could not create a counter agent to Drow, not a cure all for all poisons." Teriya shook her head and scowled, placing the jar down. "Instead, it must remain here. Out of Malekith's sight. I have no doubt that he would wish for it to be delivered to him if only to keep his wretched self alive." She laughed, high and manic. "Well, more fool him. I will never surrender this. The storage compartment beneath my desk is secured and can only be opened at my prompting. Even if this ship is taken, it will not be disturbed or damaged. The preservation and cloaking spells I asked to be placed on the jar and compartment will also ensure…"

Loki threw the holopad aside and ran for the desks. He didn't need to hear more. He skidded to a stop before the collection. On inspection there were not as many as he first perceived there to be. Though that may be due to age and time having worn them away. Loki took a breath and calmed his heart. He needed to think. Picturing Teriya in his mind he tried to envision what had been behind her. The holopad's recorder had not been big and had mainly focused on the Healer herself. It would offer no clues as to a precise location. Not allowing his frustration to overwhelm him, Loki instead approached the4 first desk. Teriya had said that the compartment was beneath it. That stood to reason that it would be a hollow space, one that could be detected if one listened hard enough. Imbuing some seidr into his feet, reaching out with his sedir would off little results if Teriya had truly covered the compartment and jar in cloaking spell and they still held, his seidr would never be able to find it. Instead, he would have to rely on his other senses. Once he had gathered enough seidr to his feet to feel them tingle. He stepped forward, bringing his foot down with more force, causing the metal of the ship to reverberate around him.

Loki closed his eyes, allowing his ears to take up the challenge of deciphering what he could no longer see nor sense with his seidr. It was not the Young Prince's usual way of doing things. His seidr was how he liked to operate. It allowed him a feeling of confidence that his ever-faithful energy would never let him down when he needed it. Now, it was no longer able to aid him, and he must rely more on the skills that his Brother excelled at. Slipping into the feeling of his training with the cohort, Loki let the voice of Tyr wash over him.

"Letting your eyes become your guide is the first step to failure Young Prince," Tyr had once said as he was once again towering over the Prince where he had knocked him on his behind for the sixth time in their session. "You cannot allow yourself to rely on only what you can see."

"I don't need to be able to see," Loki had grumbled as he thrust his spear into the dirt, using it to push himself into a sitting position, as he stretched out a hand to summon his seidr in a flickering green glow. "My seidr will always show me what can deceive my eyes."

A sharp smack to his chest had Loki trust backwards once more, the butt of Tyr's spear pushing into the centre of his chest, pressure just enough to keep him still and uncomfortable but not hurt.

"While your confidence in your seidr is warranted, there will be times that even that cannot aid you. You must learn to not limit yourself to only your preferences. You whole being must be trained and honed to give you an edge in battle. Do not neglect them."

Tyr words had not been truer than in this very moment and Loki was regretting not taking them to heart all that time ago. Though, the advice would have to suffice for now, Loki had to apply the practical application.

Unable to detect anything amiss, Loki stepped forward again. Again, the metal rang loud, but there was nothing to indicate anything but solid ground beneath his feet.

Loki walked along the near whole length of the corridor towards the corner like that. One step at a time, foot slamming into the mental imbued with his seidr and letting loose a ring. Still his ears could hear nothing. As Loki was about to give up and think of another method, he stepped forward with more force than he had intended. The metal rang, though this time his ears could hear something beyond the hollow tone that had preceded all the others. This one was high and seemed to linger like a bell. Surprised, Loki remained where he was and lifted his foot, slamming it down again. Once more that clear sound came, and he felt his seidr buzz in anticipation.

Opening his eyes Loki knelt. There were the remains of what once was a desk surrounding the area, but it had since been lost to the swell of time. Placing his hands on the metal of the cool floor, Loki let his seidr reach down, he felt something push back, as though trying to get him to ignore it somehow. Grinning, Loki let his seidr flow. While cloaking spells were good when one didn't know what they were looking for and at long range, once they came into direct contact with strong seidr they were powerless to hide. Loki had heard tell of great seidr wielders that grew so much in their power that cloaking spells no longer could hide anything from them. They could even dismiss them with a flick of their wrist.

The spells gave way to the onslaught of Loki's seidr. The Young Prince directed the flow as much as he could, but with his Mother's remaining seidr still in place limiting him, he had to rely on the primal intent of his seidr to do as directed rather than any intricate spell work. Luckily, his seidr followed the basic commands and soon Loki felt the metal give under his fingers and a small opening drop down, revealing a dark space in the floor.

With shaking fingers Loki reached in, feeling around his heart pumped victoriously as his fingers closed around a dust coated cylindrical object. Slowly he withdrew it, lifting the jar to his eyes and wiping off the thick sheen of grim to see the cure of all cures, still just a few droplets, but as bright as a guiding star swirling in the bottom.

Overcome, Loki didn't care for the tears that wet his cheeks. Curling the jar into his chest he bent there on his knees and wept. Clutching the jar tight, knuckles white. It was there, it was real.

Sniffing, Loki gathered himself. Wiping a hand over his face to dry his tears he stood. Not willing to risk the jar in just a pocket, Loki bit his lip and summoned his pocket dimension. It was hard to sustain with such limited seidr, but he could open a small opening, just enough to slip the jar inside, where it would reside, safe and secure until he could return to Asgard. To his Mother.

Jubilant, Loki turned and sprinted for the Healing Halls entrance. He would need to retrace his steps to return to King Helblindi now that his mission had been completed. As he reached the entrance, he stopped. Turning to face the Healing Hall once more and the row upon row of pods housing the Dark Elves, Loki bowed low.

"Thank you," he said, then turned and sprinted away.

It did not take him long to return to the central control room. Filled with such joy Loki even let a skip come to his step. Things were going all according to plan. There was still the complication of Malekith, but Thor had faith in his Brother and Thrym, they would be able to contain and defeat the Dark Elf. Thor would not allow the Elf to hurt his Lady either. All that remained was for King Helblindi to destroy the ship and they could return home.

As Loki stepped around a corner and out on to the balcony which gave a view of the control room below, he called out as he stepped towards the railing, looking down.

"King Helblindi, I've returned, you will never believe what I was able to …"

Loki stopped, his joy turning to horror as he stared down into the control room where King Helblindi was stood. The sword of a Dark Elf thrust into his stomach.